4 Fun Ways to Get in More Photos With Your Kids (Without Selfies!) | South Florida Family Photos
Hey there, mama, can I let you in on a little secret? There’s something missing from your camera roll... and it’s you.
If you're anything like me, your phone is packed with sweet snapshots of your kids, silly faces, sleepy snuggles, big smiles, but hardly any proof that you were there too.
And while those cuddly, squishy selfies with your child smooshed up next to you are adorable (and usually a little chaotic!), they shouldn’t be the only memories you have together.
The good news? Getting in more photos with your little ones doesn’t have to feel awkward, take up tons of time, or be a big production. It can actually be simple, fun, and feel totally you.
Here are 4 creative and heartwarming ways to capture your everyday moments together. No awkward selfies required.
Set Up a Timer & Play Together
Forget the posed smiles, let’s capture the real stuff. The giggles, the chaos, the cuddles... all the playful magic that makes life with your little ones so special.
Here’s how:
Prop your phone or camera on a shelf, chair, or tripod, whatever works!
Set the self-timer (around 10 seconds), or try a burst timer to snap a bunch of photos in a row.
Then just dive into playtime! Have a tickle fight, bounce on the bed, or let them tackle you into a mountain of pillows.
Pro tip:
If your camera has voice control, try saying “Smile!” or “Capture!” and let it do the work while you stay in the moment.
These kinds of photos catch the magic, the movement, the belly laughs, and how your kids see you: fun, present, and wrapped in love.
Use a Tripod for Everyday Moments
You don’t need a holiday or a big milestone to step into the frame, your everyday life is beautiful and absolutely worth capturing.
Here’s how:
Set up a tripod (or get creative with a stack of books!) in a spot where you naturally spend time with your little ones, like the kitchen, the playroom, or your favorite cozy corner on the couch.
Picture this: you and the kids making dinner side by side, or working on a puzzle together. These are the moments that truly tell your story. Use a camera app with a remote shutter so you can focus on just being there.
Pro tip:
Try setting a weekly reminder to take one family photo during an ordinary moment, snuggles, bedtime stories, messy mealtimes.
Capture Your Reflections
Here’s a simple, sweet way to step into the frame, no setup needed!
What to do:
Keep an eye out for reflections as you move through your day, mirrors, windows, shiny oven doors, or even a rain puddle on the sidewalk.
Next time you're brushing teeth side-by-side, twirling in dress-up clothes, or gazing out the window together, pause and snap a quick photo of your reflection.
Pro tip:
Try capturing a puddle reflection during golden hour (just before sunset) for a dreamy, magical feel.
It’s a beautiful and creative way to be part of the memory, no tripod, no timer, just a little everyday magic.
Hire a Photographer for a “Day in the Life” Session
You are such an important part of your family’s story, and you deserve to be seen in it.
What to do:
Look for a documentary-style photographer (like me! You can peek at my galleries here).
Instead of stiff poses or perfect outfits, I’ll capture your real moments, making pancakes, snuggling on the couch, playing on the living room floor.
No need to stress about setups or smiling at the camera. Just be you, and I’ll do the rest, creating authentic, love-filled images that truly reflect your family’s everyday magic.
Years from now, you won’t care if your hair was messy or if the house wasn’t perfect, you'll just be glad to have photos that include you.
Now you have easy, fun ways to make sure you’re in the frame, not just behind it!
Tag me on social if you decide to try one of these ideas, I’d love to see!